Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, March 26-April 1, 2015 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 7 To Advertise Your Business, Please Contact Mike Marlow At 828-248-1408 • Email Advertising@RutherfordWeekly.com AUTO BATTERY CARE & FEEDING By S. P. Williams It's a "shocking" fact: nothing happens in a modern automobile without a healthy supply of volts and amps. Your car starts with a battery, con- trols its engine and transmis- sion with a computer; pumps, sprays and ignites its fuel with electrical pumps, injectors and spark plugs; entertains, cools, and heats occupants electroni- cally, and has brake and steer- ing systems run by sensors and actuators. So it makes sense to pay careful attention to the health of this sometimes mysterious spaghetti tangle of wires. The heart of your electrical system is a 12 volt battery. As cars have changed to empha- size effi ciency, comfort and convenience, so has the need for lightweight, powerful elec- trical systems. Batteries are thinner, trimmer and lighter to reduce weight and fi t into tight spots, sometimes in trunks or under seats. They need frequent, regular charging to maintain their ability to crank the car, and if not will deplete quickly, which can shorten their lifespan. To keep your battery healthy, you need to drive often and long enough to replace the energy expended when you start the car. Driving short distances, coupled with pow- er-robbing seat heaters and defrosters will gradually draw the battery down until you fi nd it won't start. Avoid drive- throughs at banks and restau- rants; an idling engine doesn't produce enough charge to offset heater blowers or air conditioners running at full speed along with Garth Brooks blasting on the CD and an iP- hone charger. Don't leave the ignition in accessory position with radios or DVD's playing. Get your battery, terminals and alternator belt inspected at ev- ery oil change to catch signs of low charge, corrosion or slip- page. If a problem is noted, get it corrected quickly. If a new battery is required, buy the correct rating and size for your model to make sure it fi ts properly and will supply enough power to crank reli- ably. Plus, get one with a long warranty that is honored na- tionwide, and keep the receipt for proof of purchase. Perhaps most important, make sure your battery installer does the job right, because one mistake can cause expensive damage, or leave radios and navigation systems inoperative. With just these few precautions and an occasional peek under the hood, you can make sure you don't have to keep the mo- tor club on speed dial. Until next month, keep it between the white lines and shiny side up! 828-657-5732 robbinsrepairables.com 1891 Harris-Henrietta Road Forest City, NC 28043 ROBBINS AUTO PARTS Late Model el Rebuildables mputerized Co ed C e C z d ze Co ize zed FREE EE Service Service Se Serv rvic ice All Parts A arts ts Guaranteed Gu Gua ua 386 Withrow Road Forest City, NC 28043 Anthony Haulk • haulkautomotive@yahoo.com 828-429-9077 ©Community First Media ©Community First Media Over 20 Years Experience Tune-Ups Major Repairs Brake Service Computer Diagnostics Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:30PM 284 Daniel Road Forest City • 828-286-2614 ATTN: ACURA OWNERS WELCOME SPECIAL Award Winning Service Courtesy Loaner Cars Factory Honda Parts Certifi ed Techs $ 27. 95 * Oil Service www.forestcityhondanc.com *With coupon. 0W20 oil models $37.95. Plus taxes. By Appointment. Expires 4-30-15. ©Community First Media Community First Media onda onda Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 7:30am-1pm! Sat 7:30am-1pm! ©Community First Media Community First Media 841 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton 828-286-0980 828-286-0980 R-S Speedy R-S Speedy L u b e L u b e Change Oil & Filter "Your Full Service "Your Full Service Oil Change Location" Oil Change Location" Check & Fill All Fluids Check Fluid Level, All Differentials, Front & Rear Grease All Fittings if Applicable Tire Pressures Checked Vacuum Your Car While You Wait! We will change most light bulbs, at low cost! We Carry Most Brands of Oil including Lucas Oils & Fluids We offer these services, while you wait in nice, clean waiting room! We offer these services, while you wait in nice, clean waiting room! We Carry Rain-X Wiper Blades

• Cover